Abstract

The effect of preionization on a dielectric‐electrode discharge in CO2 laser media is described. Compared to previous devices without preionization, specific energy extraction has been increased approximately threefold to 6 J/1 atm and gas pressures for stable operation are increased from below 1 atm to above 2 atm. With preionization, pulse‐to‐pulse repeatability for a 0.5‐Hz repetition rate under static gas conditions is greatly enhanced compared to operation without preionization in the present device. These results compare favorably with those obtained in conventional metallic‐electrode discharge transverse electric atmospheric (TEA) lasers.